BellaSugar

BellaSugar's Top Five Lip Balm Picks

BellaSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 07:00:07 -0700

I've written about my favorite lip balms before, but a year and a half has passed and I've got some newbies in the mix that I seriously can't live without. Lip balms are one of my all-time favorite products because they feel good and they provide instant relief all year round. Here are my top five picks (for now). What's your favorite?

This small, silver Molton Brown Vitamin Lip Saver ($18) is odorless and flavorless. It spreads easily, penetrates deeply and I often find it missing in my guy's dopp kit!
Some drugstore brands have got it right! This cool, roller-ball Blistex Cherry Splash ($2.89) is sweet, thin-textured and fast absorbing to correct dryness and chapping.
Bobbi Brown Extra ($55) is the most expensive salve of the bunch, but it works wonders on my cuticles, elbows hands and on my lips. I can't seem to stay away from the subtle geranium smell and thick shea butter formula.
Lancome's Baume Baiser ($25) came out as part of the Mystery Game collection. Although it's no longer in stock, you can still find a few of these indulgent padded soft rose-marshmallow scented lip balms online in the UK (and have it shipped).
A year and a half later, one of my faves is still the amazingly nourishing Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment ($22.50). It lasts long, it's thick, it smells amazing, and I'm the first to admit that I'm a sucker for the cool screw-top cover.

Product Review: Molton Brown Davana Blossom Foaming Bath Oil

BellaSugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:00:06 -0800

I don't usually have a lot of extra time on my hands for an indulgent soak in the bath, but when I do manage some "me time" you better believe I pull out all the stops. Not only does a loofah, body scrub and an essential oil or two accompany me, but I also like to try out a new product in the hopes of creating the ultimate tub of bubbles.

I've been reading about the new Molton Brown Davana Blossom Foaming Bath Oil for some time now. It is said to have a spicy and floral aroma that can whisk all of your problems (and germs) away. Still, $67 per bottle just seems like pop-star prices. Fortunately, I was sent some to try and I thought I'd share my experience with you.

To find out how this purple potion stacks up, read more.

Pros: The smell is an intoxicating mixture of davana blossom, raspberry and concentrated star flower oil which makes your bath smell and feel like an elaborate Indian steam room. In addition, the foam lives up to its promise (yay)! By adding two capfuls to running water, the top layer of your tub will fill with bountiful bubbles.

Cons: Because it's a cleansing oil, it doesn't wash away like a soap. While some people might like a filmy layer on their skin for moisturizing purposes, I found it to be a little bit greasy.

Beauty Products From Around The World Part V: Brazil

BellaSugar — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 11:00:22 -0700

Did you know that Brazil is climbing the ranks in global beauty and by next year it is set to become the third largest beauty market in the world ahead of France and Germany? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the country is home to the world’s biggest rain forest, the Amazon.

Popular Brazilian beauty ingredients include ginseng (tones the skin), guaraná (stimulates production on melanin), buriti oil (rich in fatty acids), and the Brazil nut (high in selenium). Here are three beauty products that allow us to enjoy a little bit of Amazon biodiversity right here in America.

Molton Brown Invigorating Suma Ginseng Bath & Shower Gel ($25) is a lush, rich and fragrant body wash.

It is made from Brazilian suma ginseng which helps boost circulation and juniper berry oil, cinnamon, oakmoss, armoise and geranium revitalise the senses and and stimulate the energy.

For two more amazing Brazilian beauty products, read more

Brazillian Fruit Moisturising Body Lotion Guarana ($14.90) is made from a delicious blend of natual ingredients from the Amazon such as guaraná extract, cupuaca butter, sunflower oil and vitamin E, to invigorate the skin and leave it feeling soft, smooth and protected.

Guaraná is also known as an aphrodisiac and metabolic stimulant - ahhh, so that's why Gisele is so thin!

Nunaat Cosmetics is a very popular Brazilian brand that also makes a full range of hair care and bath and body products. They use essential oils and natural ingredients from the Amazon to relax the body through delicate fragrances and textures. The brand is coming to the US in 2008 and I wanted to make sure you were in the know!

Magnificent Matte Bronzers

BellaSugar — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 13:30:37 -0800

Last week, I told you about mineral bronzers, which are great for sensitive and acne-prone skin. But if you've got an oily complexion that needs shine control, matte bronzers are the best way to get a sun-kissed look. Made from extremely refined powders, these are long lasting and help to even out your skin tone.

To use, apply them where the sun would normally tan your face. Begin with a light application (they can get heavy fast) to the bridge of your nose, the apples of your cheeks, the top of your cheekbones, and your temples and blend well. They also work great for contouring to create sexy, modelesque cheekbones. Here are a few of my favorites.

Molton Brown Bareface Glow Bronzing Powder is a double-matte but very light bronzer made from extracted waterlily flower and meadowfoam seed oil. These vitamin-packed ingredients help condition your skin and protect it against free radicals. Buy it here for $30. Available in Sunstone (light) and the darker Desertrose.

Physicians Formula Baked Pyramid is a matte bronzer for the masses baked on terracotta tiles. It has this really cool and unique pyramid shape and provides you with a deep and exotic-looking glow. You can apply it wet for a darker finish or dry for a lighter look. Buy it in Baked Tan or Baked Bronze here for $11.95.

To see the last one, read more

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Matte Bronzer is a luxurious powder bronzer with an oil-free base to help keep your skin smooth and even. You can apply it to your face, shoulders, and décolletage for a healthy bronze look. Buy it here for $29.50.

Scented Cosmetics Candles, Part II

BellaSugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 06:11:22 -0700

Welcome to part two of scented cosmetic candles. Scented candles are simply delicious. They are kind of like an anti-anxiety drug, without the harmful side effects! Here are a few more scented candles from some of our fave makeup brands for you to enjoy.

Laura Mercier Almond Coconut Milk Candle, $42, is a really delicious and subtle smelling candle that is also available in a creme brule scent! The candle is 100% ozone friendly, it has a cotton wick and should burn anywhere from 40-50 hours. It is encased in a frosted glass votive and comes packaged in an organza bag!

For two more scented cosmetics candles, read more

La Prairie Silver Rain Candle, $100, is the priciest of the bunch so far and most likely it is because it is infused with the company's signature fragrance, Silver Rain.

It is intended to create a seductive mood. It is made from: green apple, crushed coriander, flowers and vanilla musk and comes in a frosted glass votive with a silver lid.

Molton Brown Thai Vert Air Candela, $55, is so unbelievably yummy! Made from: lime, patchouli, caraway, elemi and eucalyptus, I am a huge fan of its crisp, green, and citrucy smell.

It's packaged in hand blown Lithuanian glass and comes wrapped beautifully in buckram paper and ribbon. This candle is very long lasting and can be expected to burn for approximately 70-80 hours. It's also available in seven other amazing scents.

Molton Brown

harry — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:01:47 -0700

Saks and Neiman Marcus Square Off For Best Beauty Deal

BellaSugar — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 09:00:34 -0800

It's gift-with-purchase time again at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus, and both luxury retailers are vying for your beauty dollars by offering goodie bags. Both have their perks, but which store deserves your browsing time? To see a stupendous chart with all the details, read more.

The goods	Saks Fifth Avenue	Neiman Marcus	Advantage
Swag bag	Sixties-style floral cotton bag in three colors.	Patent pleather tote in three colors.	Neiman Marcus. Saks' bag is beachy and fun, but Neiman's is more versatile.
Minimum purchase	$75	$100. Spend $1,000 and get $100 back.	Saks. Besides, who's buying $1,000 of cosmetics these days?
Samples from...	Kiehl's, Clarins, Sisley Paris, Narciso Rodriguez Essence	La Mer, Clé de Peau, Dior, Molton Brown	Saks, who snagged the new Narciso Rodriguez scent first.
Other deals	Samples when you shop from La Mer and Jo Malone.	Tons of gifts with purchase	Neiman Marcus, no question about it.

So which one is better? That depends. If you aren't looking to spend too much money, Saks gives you goodies for a smaller minimum purchase. But if you're ready to whip out your wallet, you can score more samples with Neiman Marcus.

Bella Bargain: The Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus

BellaSugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 09:00:36 -0700

Ha cha cha! That's what I say when I get excited about something. No joke. I know it's nerdy, but soon you will see why I'm geeking out.

As you may know, Neiman Marcus is celebrating its centennial with a slew of exclusive, expensive limited-edition products with prices reaching the level of rent. But for those of us who want to splurge on a smaller scale, there's The Beauty Event. Neiman's does this twice a year, and if you're going to treat yourself, it's the best time to do it. If you spend $100 or more on cosmetics or fragrance, you'll get a metallic tote with eight samples from Laura Mercier, Clinique, Lancome, Estee Lauder, Revive, Prada, Orlane and Molton Brown. Is it the biggest Bella Bargain I've ever found? No, but it's one of the best gifts with purchase I've seen all year!

But wait, there's more! (I say that when I'm excited, too.) To find out what else Neiman has in store-yuk yuk-just read more

Along with the tote and samples gift, each beauty brand is offering its own gifts with purchase. For instance, spend $95 on Burberry Men and you'll get a logo sport bag. Spend the same on Juicy Couture and you get a four-piece fragrance set. Drop $30 on Phyto and you'll receive a Phytobrush Smoothing Shampoo. And on and on. While these aren't teeny-tiny price points, it makes sense to shop now if you've been planning on a big splurge. The deals are good through September 17 online, and in stores between this Friday and September 16. Happy shoppin'!